Former NPO’s entire catalogue acquired

07 Nov 2023

A Manchester-based ensemble that closed following the loss of its entire Arts Council England (ACE) funding has had its full catalogue of works acquired.

NMC Recordings announced the full acquisition of Psappha’s work earlier this week.

Throughout its 32-year history, Psappha commissioned and premiered music by more than 500 composers and also launched its own record label.

Announcing its closure earlier this year, the ensemble said the loss of £250,000 a year funding from ACE had proven “too great a challenge to overcome”.

NMC Executive Director Cathy Graham said Psappha’s contribution to living composers and the musical life of this country has been “immeasurable”. 

“We were enormously saddened to learn of their decision to close but proud and happy that NMC Recordings is able to safeguard their legacy by ensuring their magnificent recorded archive, which we have previously distributed, will be available in perpetuity.”

Levelling up in the North East is 'quietly catastrophic'

Hamzeh Al Hussien in Penguin by Curious Monkey, Live Theatre, September 2023
02 Nov 2023

When one cultural organisation closes, it has a damaging knock-on effect across the region, says Jack McNamara. Funders must not ignore the interdependence of the sector.

Technical staff at ENO face contract cuts

Clive Mantle in ENO’s Iolanthe 2023
24 Oct 2023

Technicians at English National Opera are facing the prospect of significant reductions in their working hours and salaries as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures.

Greenwich Dance to close at the end of the year

23 Oct 2023

Decision to wind down the organisation follows the loss of regular local authority funding and an unsuccessful application to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.

Live Art Development Agency re-enters National Portfolio

16 Oct 2023

Arts Council England to reinstate regular funding after recognising “a significant process of organisational development in the past six months” at the charity.

ENO 'planning orchestra cuts', union claims

Exterior of English National Opera
13 Oct 2023

The Musicians' Union says its members have been informed that English National Opera wants to axe 19 jobs from its orchestra and employ its remaining musicians on part-time contracts.

Arts Council England pauses funding for new NPO

External view of The Old Courts in Wigan
04 Oct 2023

Closure of performance spaces at Wigan-based National Portfolio Organisation results in massive loss in revenue, prompting Arts Council England to review its financial situation.

Women & Theatre at 40

Black and white image of Women & Theatre founders
18 Sep 2023

Women & Theatre is celebrating 40 years of pioneering work. Founder member and Artistic Director Janice Connolly reflects on how much has changed over the four decades.

EXCLUSIVE: ACE drops reporting requirements over data platform glitches

The Illuminate online portal
13 Sep 2023

Amid sector concerns about new data platform Illuminate, Arts Council England says NPOs will not need to provide box office or audience survey data until next year.

Theatre Bristol announces closure following ACE funding loss

10 Jul 2023

Former National Portfolio Organisation that provides support for artists and freelance creatives is to close after the loss of all its core funding.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Back to Ours

'Back to Ours' company photo. A diverse range of people photographed from the inside of a bus. There are people sat down and stood up. Some are performing, others are smiling and gasping.
28 Jun 2023

In our series of articles spotlighting new National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs), Christina Lewis explains how Hull-based Back to Ours works with local communities to engage new audiences in the arts.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Festival of Making

National Festival of Making 2022. People sat on folding wooden chairs smiling, laughing and clapping.
26 Jun 2023

Co-Founder of the Festival of Making Elena Jackson says achieving NPO status is a recognition of placing artists and creative practice at the centre of the regeneration of Blackburn and wider Lancashire. 

Liverpool makes case for English National Opera 

The river mersey on Liverpool Albert Dock at sunset, stock photo.
16 Jun 2023

City leaders say that among areas shortlisted for English National Opera relocation, it is the only one currently lacking any opera provision and call for transparency in decision-making process.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Trigger

Image of The Hatchling project
12 Jun 2023

Based in North Somerset, Trigger is a group of shapeshifting creatives who dream-up, create and produce bold and brave, live and digital events, to disrupt, reimagine and revive public spaces. Angie Bual is their Creative Director.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Chineke!

Chineke! orchestra
07 Jun 2023

Chineke! is a ground-breaking foundation renowned for its commitment to increasing diversity and inclusivity in classical music. Its founder, Chi-chi Nwanoku shares how it has quickly emerged as a trailblazer.

Jewish Museum London announces closure of current site

The second floor exhibit room at the Jewish Museum London
05 Jun 2023

Museum says it will close its current base in London this summer and develop plans for a 'new museum fit for the future' in a more prominent location.

English National Opera board member resigns over ACE plans

External view of English National Opera current base, the Coliseum
05 Jun 2023

Arts Council England's plans to move English National Opera out of London labelled a 'delayed death sentence' due to anticipated impact on box office revenue.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Family Arts Campaign

Children in a library throwing newspapers into the air
05 Jun 2023

Connection, communities and collaboration are essential ingredients for working with families, writes Anna Dever, Director of a new Investment Principles Support Organisation within ACE’s National Portfolio.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Hospital Rooms

A hospital room with work tables and soft furnishings
01 Jun 2023

In the first of this series on new entrants to ACE's National Portfolio, Tim A Shaw and Niamh White share how this is enabling them to contribute more fully to the national conversation around arts and mental health.

Spotlight on new NPOs: Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture

30 May 2023

For over 20 years, MKIAC’s work has been guided by Islamic arts and heritage, combined with influences from Milton Keynes’ different communities, says its founder Anouar Kassim.

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